Visual Odyssey: The Nikon Z5II Showcase by DustinAbbott.net

I’m really impressed with my Nikon Z8. It’s a sturdy camera packed with outstanding features, and it works flawlessly. However, it’s quite large, so I don’t usually take it along when I travel. I’ve reviewed several compact lenses for the Nikon Z series, including Nikon’s Nikkor Z 40mm F2 and super-portable options like the Viltrox 20mm F2.8 and the even smaller 28mm F4.5 “Chip”. Using a 70g lens like the 28mm on a 910g camera (the Z8’s weight with battery and memory) feels a bit mismatched. To be fair, Nikon doesn’t offer any small full-frame Z-mount cameras to compete with the compact Sony A7C series or the Canon RP. However, the Nikon Z5 II is a more compact option, being the most well-equipped full-frame camera available for under $1700. This camera seems more comparable to models in the $2200-$2500 range, making it arguably the best full-frame deal currently out there. I’ll explore why the Z5 II is so appealing in this review while also addressing any shortcomings. Check out my video review or continue with my written review below.

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The Z5 II used for this review was provided by Nikon Canada. This review is entirely independent, and all opinions are my own.

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Nikon Comparisons | Other Brand Comparisons

At first, I considered the Nikon Zf as a more travel-friendly alternative, but then the Z5 II was released. Essentially, the Z5 II is like the Zf but in a more traditional body with much better ergonomics (featuring a real grip!), slightly lighter weight, and a lower price. While it isn’t tiny, it is noticeably smaller than my Z8.

Honestly, Nikon’s “small” camera is comparable in size to some of Sony’s larger models!

So, it doesn’t quite fit the travel camera category (Nikon lacks a full-frame option in that area), but it excels in many other aspects. While reviewing cameras in this category, I often encounter limitations that seem intentionally imposed. Examples include only having one card slot, max shutter speeds capped at 1/4000th of a second, no stabilization, or low-quality viewfinders. Thankfully, Nikon hasn’t resorted to these strategies.

Moreover, while the Z-mount isn’t fully open yet, numerous excellent lenses from Viltrox and Tamron are compatible with it, making it a more accommodating system than Canon’s R. Although Sony still has the most third-party support, they also reserve certain features exclusively for their own lenses. In my experience reviewing lenses for both Sony E and Nikon Z, I often prefer the performance of the Z-mount. There are plenty of reasons to consider the Z5 II, so let’s get into the details.

Key Features

• 24.5MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 7 Image Processor
• ISO 100-64000, Up to 30 fps Shooting
• UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording
• 3.6m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
• 9-Type Subject Detection AF
• 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Vibration Reduction
• Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Dual SD UHS-II Card Slots
• EN-EL15c battery rated for 380 shots

The prominent highlights include exceptional Vibration Reduction, dual card slots, mechanical shutter with a full 1/8000th of a second shutter speed, and leading specs on both the LCD screen and the viewfinder—matching top competitors. These aspects are typically where other cameras reduce features to differentiate their higher-end models. Nikon’s approach with the Z5 II is refreshing, and though it may affect Z6 III sales, it seems to be boosting Nikon’s market share.

Nikon has significantly improved its autofocus system throughout the duration of its Z series, now placing it on par with Sony and Canon, who previously outperformed it. Personally, I haven’t experienced any notable shortcomings with the Z8.

The 24.5MP FX-Format CMOS sensor is probably the least exciting feature in this model. While it has a slight edge in pixel count compared to some competitors (6048 x 4032 vs. 6000 x 4000), it doesn’t quite match the dynamic range and high ISO performance of Canon’s (R8) and Sony’s (a7C) sensors. However, the discrepancies are minor, amounting to less than a half stop in dynamic range. The Canon sensor is nearly equivalent in ISO performance, while the Sony sensor offers about 16% better results. Still, low-light capabilities are commendable.

In summary, the Z5II holds its own even in its weaker aspects while excelling in its strengths, which is reflected in the market’s response.

Images of the Nikon Z5 II

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